Dorset Music Awards Semi Final 1 @ Mr Kyps

There is an eager crowd in Mr Kyps this Saturday night, lots of people milling around, catching up with each other, various nervous band members included. There is a buzz about, an air of anticipation and expection, everyone knowing they’re going to hear great music, even if only the band they are supporting.

County Hospital are first on, with a couple of extra players who have obviously been drafted in for tonight’s show; this isn’t mentioned at all, and it is barely noticeable, they are so tight together.

As for the Quarter Final, the hospital scrubs are again in attendance, however this time the dustbins seem to be absent. They start with 3 punchy numbers, brash and loud, before spreading into a very laidback Grateful Dead style jam in the middle of Robot. For no reason at all apart from it’s a fun thing to do, lead Tim Smart and Bass Luke are standing on an illuminated red boxes. Tim’s also suffering from an unusual number of guitar lead failures, switching them around a lot.

This is always the way with a Smart performance – it is always at the cutting edge of what are Tim’s capabilities, and lots of work and thought goes into how the show might come off – when it works it is brilliant, when it doesn’t, it’s normally endearingly comical. This time around it seems things aren’t working as well as they would, so while all the effort is there, the results don’t come across as I know they can do, I sincerely hope the judges see past the kit, and look for the performance excellence.

During the ballad they usually close with, Tim jumps across and falls over, gaining small applause, while Ed kicks off some tricked out drum moves. Tim’s sister Claire joins in the refrain, while Tim switches to the megaphone he’d used to open the set. They don’t finish here, instead switching to an up-tempo song. At the end they all jump off the instruments and pick up drums to close percussively, which is a moment of perfection at the last.

Constellation are next, as they are announced at the end of County Hospital a shout goes up – they have clearly brought their previously noted crowd with them. They are energised, pumped and clearly putting everything they can into this. Band T-shirts are spotted so they’ve also been on the merch trail…

They open with some very mainstream rock, and this crowd of theirs are loving it, based on the massive reaction both during and at the ends of songs. The third song is leader Ali’s favourite, and small wonder, it stretches his voice to the strain point at both ends of his quite immense range, while the music breaks down into the smooth 4/4 anthem Flowers

What helps me is that by now I’m beginning to get to know their material, having seen this particular song as one their two in the heat, and in the near full set for their Quarter Final. This isn’t appreciated by some in the crowd – one comment very deliberately given to me is “their chord progressions carry all the crushing inevitability of western paternalism” – in other words this critic wasn’t being particularly complimentary about the sequences chosen, even though I think they work for the style of music Constellation have chosen.

They’ve clearly been working hard in the past few weeks, they close with a new song Don’t Stop the Music, and it is tricky and ambitious, lots of pauses and breaks, awkward rhythms. I say it must have been hard work, to my ears the performance is flawless, no hesitation or funny looks as normally happens when something misses in a new song.

The crowd clearly want more of them, and want to let the judges know that as well, calls for encores and more carry on for a long time afterwards. My only concern is that this fantastic crowd could dissipate towards the end of the night.

The mood continues as Fearne are announced, even more volume and screaming hysterical girls, coupled with being really active all over mr Kyps. The lads have also sorted out their wardrobe for this important gig – they previously announced earlier today they were being sad and going shopping together – its worked, they’re looking mighty fine in smart shirts and waistcoats, and Nick is still sporting his bling bass guitar strap.

The stage presence and crowd interaction is outstanding – a guitar falls over, causing a muted pause, Alex recovers it and shouts “cheer” – they do. For 2010 single Closer the crowd are shouting out the lyrics as the band give space for them, even drowning out the band at one point.

I must admit, it is a little much, all the screaming, probably just because I’m not used to hearing it at the majority of local gigs I go to. However (as pointed out to me by a discerning mind) the band are sporting big smiles, this is reflected in the faces of the crowd as well.

Bel Casino make a big entrance – as the screen is lifted up, they are positioned behind it and start immediately, positive and energetically upbeat, making the most of the boost the crowd has given. Josh has picked up a lead riff for song Somewhere New and it draws us in, then drops us as Chris walks on and the song begins, to me just like waves at Chesil beach.

One harsh commentator feeds me with ” its not quite elevator music, but…”. Maybe I’m even being harsh by repeating that – at least that person was in, listening, rather than giving up outside. Other comments I hear: “charming”, and that the check shirts don’t do it with the sound – check shirts = lumberjack = rough & edgy, and the music is as far from rough and edgy as it can be. This one I can agree with, having had that pointed out to me I can see their point. That Bel Casino are uniformed is good, my next question could have been “so what uniform does go with this sound” – I only think about this afterwards though.

Those crowd Bel Casino do have are vocal and are around the venue, rather than just being at the front. I love Josh’s hook in their last song, and JD is giving it his all behind the drums, they make an excellent smooth band, and I hope this is picked up by those fans who prefer their music to be more of the pure-rock variety.

Cella Creeps also stage a grand entrance. Mark is alone on stage playing an awesome grungy riff on guitar. Ollie (drums) walks on and starts up in perfect synch. Then Ed (bass) struts on, back to crowd and bopping while he plugs in, before kicking off the song in proper style. As hopefully captured in my shot, they are pumped, Ed particularly pacing around the stage. As they close this start, they semi apologise for kicking off with such a heavy riff led track, after “the amazing acoustic-led acts before us”

Their second song Ride Beat has to be the song of the entire competition for me, Marks guitar synth led air cuts to my heart, when Ed’s lyrics are placed over them its just so awesomely lonesome, words fail me.

What is becoming clear is how much the bands are taking on board from us hacks and critics. Ed announces their third song as written specifically for Tony from bhone, since they’d been decried by him as having no hooks or leads. As per their quarter final presence, there is a mention of the other band, Mutant Vinyl, since 2 of 3 of them are also in that; they wanted a difference for their heavy sound, so found Ollie and went with Cella Creeps.

My only disappointment is the endemic Bournemouth music scene problem, some fickle members of the audience have now deserted the venue having seen their band play, not even giving Cella Creeps the benefit of the doubt regarding appreciation. Please guys, these types of multi-band showcases only work if all bands are given a fair crack at wowing you with their sounds – if you’re not wowed by one don’t give up on the whole night…

I have to interrupt my musings – Ed’s now in the crowd, crawling over the floor while still keeping the undercurrent bass going, leaping back to the mic just in time to start the next verse. At the end they cheekily include in their rap “we’ll hopefully see you at the O2” – many will probably know that the “other band” they’ve mentioned earlier are playing there on Monday night.

What I’m definitely going to take away from their performance is how much fun it is – I have a huge grin on my face thanks to their antics, particularly of Ed’s struts and screams. thus ends an awesome evening of music, and I’m anticipating some eager debate over the next week or so on opinions of the bands’ performances.

I think your comments about crowd reaction are ridiculous – thats what its all about – getting a crowd who love your music and the crowd obviously love Constellations music and enthusiasm and honesty.
I am really glad you are saying they are the finished product because to get that response when they have only been together a short time shows what a professional, talented lot of musicians they are. I love the songs, love their passion, love the drum starts and finishes etc. I think they are well up there to get a place in the final.
Well done lads, you are GREAT

Just one more thing only to justify why we always play flower song. It is the official song for a charity called scottys little soldiers, which week keep very close to our hearts as the charity has been set up to support the children of our fallen hero’s! We released the song on 17th of Jan this year and in its first week went to number 40 in the independent chart, with all proceeds donating to this charity now and forever to do our bit. Ali our lead singer is our connection to the forces as he only left the army a few years ago. I hope you don’t mind me posting a link for our vid for this song? The reason I have have made a point of this is so others can understand why we are so passionate about playing this song 🙂 xx

I think I saw a different night to all of you . Every band up there were awesome in there own way , however , constellation by far had the best crowd reaction . To say that flower song is over played through out the comp is WRONG . How many bands that night can say they have a song for the children of our fallen soliders that made it to number 40 in the official indepentant chart ? . To say that ” they went on a mech trail ” when all avid fans went out on there own accord and had them made, says alot for the band . Tell your ” friend ” that 4/4 western music sells , that’s what these boys want and enjoy ( from what I see ) . I can’t wait to hear more from these guys , there awesome , loved ,hard working , friendly bunch of guys . Don’t get me wrong fearne were incredible but not my cup of tea at all . Every one is a critic but if your asking me what makes money , and that’s what the music industry is about all , them constellation win hands down . The crowd loved them . Good luck to all bands tho because every one was awesome

I’m pleased your loving the music (well, most of it). I don’t think any song can be overplayed, if its a staple of a set list, its a staple, and I’m unsure how the overplayed conclusion can be reached from my implying that after a third hearing I’m starting to get to know Constellation’s material.

Merch is not wrong – I repeat I say what I see, I try to give my opinion of what I see and hear at a gig, trying to write for those that aren’t there trying to sum up an auditory and visual experience using the imperfect medium of language.

I noticed the merch, so I wrote about it. I don’t want to qualify every statement with “… and I think its a good thing”, I would hope that people catch my enthusiasm and passion with the nuance of what I describe. I have no idea if this is fan generated merch or not (unless in Mutant Vinyls case they make a statement from the stage – but that was at a Solid Air gig a few weeks back, not at DMA’s.)

Thanks for your comment – I always write with the attitude “they’re up there doing it, I’m down here watching it, and it’s much harder up there than down here”. Anyone can be a critic to pull people down, I try to offer constructive critique to help bands improve and move them on a stage.

Hey peeps, first of all I would like to say that Saturday night was amazing and as I said to Alex from fearne on Facebook previous to the heat we where all looking forward to their performance and believe me we wasn’t disappointed!! And for that neither where are fans, everyone of them that I spoke to had nothing but good words to say about them. I said to Alex back of stage that the problem with competitions is the some people may forget that we are all doing the same thing, for us it is a great opportunity to meet like minded people and we are all here for a reason. So being pretty much an unknown band it is just great for us to mix with the cream of the crop, we don’t see it as competing as each band has their own great qualities and individual styles which at the and of the day we know we arnt gonna be everyone cuppa. I suppose all I’m saying is I wish everyone in this comp the best and everything you do and avenue you take is a learning curve and stepping stone towards what we all hope to achieve!!!!!!!! Big love xxx

Not knowing you I wasn’t aware of the back story, and as I said I’ve heard this song enough times now, its grown on me (no pun intended).
Looking back at my comments from the Heats, I’ve got a note saying “4th in the charts, what’s that all about?”. Now I know, thanks.

To be honest, I struggle to find things to express about your performances since I can’t see much at all wrong and an awful lot of things right; I hear your music doesn’t appeal to all, and I can’t work out why, which perturbs me somewhat!

” I must admit, it is a little much, all the screaming “…..those are your words. To me, and obviously quite a few other people, that does not sound like a “neutral statement”.
I would also take issue with the sweeping (some may say scathing) report of screaming hysterical girls……i would say there were as many, if not more very vocal males- as indeed there always are at Fearne gigs.

To pick up on other points ably raised by others (1) i do think that the very personalized review of Cellar Creeps for example means that your overall review does come over as biased. (2) the comments regarding check shirts etc come over as ill-informed with regard fashion – at the very least! (3) i feel that it is unrealistic to expect gig-goers to NOT vote with their feet – whether it be via a short break outside, or going home.

Can i ask two things….is band merchandise a bad thing?! and is that really Dreadlock Photographys summary?!

I think i have probably gone on enough now…..but i will end by saying that if your words have indeed been misinterpreted by so many people then maybe they werent clear……

OK, fair cop – thanks Tracey.
Reading that bit back, yes, I must have been a little fed up with it by then, probably after an hour of it with the two bands (no time noted) – I write as I see, think and feel at the time, and try to do as little post-production as possible (I add links, sort out spellings, and sometimes check a name (not often enough, clearly 😉 ).).

What I see as my neutral statement is at the top of the Fearne section, not that one – not intended to inflame or incite riot, honest, even though it has!
And yes, there may have been blokes, but screams carry over so much more than blokey shouts….

And no, Steve from Dreadlock’s summary is not of that gig – it’s humourously representative of how he thinks he’d write up gig reviews if he was doing it – that was what he passed to me after Bournemouth Unplugged the other week.

I went along to support Fearne, however I am a live music fan and have been to Kyps half a dozen times already this year coming down from Salisbury. We also gig at home and Southampton, and indeed Bristol. I think I can approach the competition with an open mind.
It seems odd for you to highlight the audience participation negatively when clearly this round of the DMA cited that as a judged part. The “clap-o-meter” if you will.
Also, to reply to your impression of people leaving after their favourites had left, having paid our entrance fee we were keen to enjoy all the bands and get our moneys worth. I particularly enjoyed County Hospital, their Devo-esque madness was just my cup of tea, I found Constellation a bit bland for me, heard it all before I’m afraid. Fearne were, as above comments, great. Clearly in a league of their own. Bel Casino were again pleasant, I’d happily watch them again. But, Oh Dear, I thought Cella Creeps totally awful. Sorry but more emo wailing I can just do without!! I left after 2 songs, as did several others stood nearby. I wanted to stay for all the performances but that was just too much.
Maybe the audiance thinned out simply because, like us, they didnt enjoy it…
Just a thought.
Cheers

As one of the ‘hysterical screaming girls’ I can honestly say this was friendly fan warfare. Constellations set was brilliant and the crowd reaction was great so as Fearnes head groupy my job was to show the judges that Fearne fans know how to bring it to.

Anyone who knows Fearne knows that this competiton means a hell of a lot to them and the last thing any of us wanted to do was to distract from their talent.

As an active local gig goer I think saturday night was a great showcase for local talent and Im glad im not a judge as I dont think it will be an easy decision to make.

Competition is always going to get differing opinions after all this is what makes it interesting!! I know who I would like to see in the final (obviously Fearne but Im a BC fan as well and only discovered Constellation sat night) but I will be happy for whoever wins and wish them all luck as its one hard industry to break into

Thanks for the feedback Tim. Very honoured by another positive review and would just like to chip in that I feel your comments have been largely misinterpreted.

Every band on stage Saturday brought there Big guns to the party and I like you was shocked and overwhelmed by the screaming from the fans but can say that from my position on the stage it was very similar in reaction to constellations… Maybe competitive fans are responsible (if so I love it and felt like a rock star). I took your comments with the spirit intended because at the end of the day.. Me and you are the blokes usually clapping.

Tim, Tim, Tim… WHAT’s this??
As a fairly new follower of the Dorset Music Awards, I arrived at Mr Kyps with friends in tow to support just the one particular band BEL CASINO but excited to hear the other bands, successful of beating some incredible talent earlier on in the competition stages.
I wasn’t disappointed however; the evening did take a while to warm up.
I felt the drummer in County Hospital deserves some recognition for a truly spectacular & enchanting performance.
I have come away wishing to hear more from 3/5 bands and that surely is what this is all about… getting local talent displayed and therefore more accessible to the public. I feel comments about band members’ choice in shirt or guitar strap unnecessary and detract from any sensible or reputable musical critique that I would wish to read, sorry but true!
It surprises me that the DMA’s isn’t a far bigger event than it is today!
I must finally make a response to one of the terrible ‘quotes’ given regarding lift music?? SHOCKING!!
BEL CASINO was a wholesome, tight and enjoyable performance as usual.
Although they are neither raucous or extrovert, I feel the longevity of their style of music will keep their fan base growing, CD’s selling, downloads… er… downloading and not just prove Saturday night entertainment.
Kind regards (now that I’ve got that off my chest)
: )

I’m aware of giving the drummer in question too much column space, as a close friend and talented bloke, Ed Pope has catapulted onto this small stage and taken it by storm to become the latest hot property. E.g. did you know he was I think the only artist to be playing in three of the four Quarter Finals? and was in two of tonights bands (he got a lot of coverage as the bass player in Cella Creeps).

You’re exactly right that this is about getting more music to more fans – there were plans afoot to turn this into a regional contest, but not in time for this year.

Yep, I thought the elevator music comment was harsh as well, BC deserve far better; I didn’t get a chance to speak to Chris on the night (he wandered over, and I was talking with Tim at the time – sorry Chris).

However included it since my telling BC how great they were is not going to help them progress further in their career, unless they want to remain at the good level they’ve reached so far.

Also, one of the regular comments judges have had in the past with this competition is the “band look”. That’s local knowledge I’ve picked up as an insider (drat, it’s no longer inside knowledge). Anything that can help a band get through a judging stage is going to be something else that will hopefully see them on a bigger and better stage outside Bournemouth and Dorset.

I guess I’m unusual from a normal fan in that I’m looking for a performance and a “package”, I know that I’d rather go to see a live show with a bit of entertainment and performance, rather than just sticking on the record and seeing cardboard cutouts on a stage.

After the comments, I’ve just done a quick paragraph count:
crowd: 3
County Hospital: 4
Constellation: 4
Fearne: 3
Bel Casino: 3
Cella Creeps: 5
So ironically the bands I’ve known the longest get the least said about them… :~

We went to support Fearne – we think they are fantastic, Alex has great stage presence and their fans love them and their music. I think if fans are singing their lyrics it just shows what skill they have as singer/songwriters. I agree with Kate I dont think you can criticise the band for having vocal fans…. and it wasnt all “screaming girls” in the crowd – there were as many male fans singing and shouting… I took a couple of friends with me who havent seen Fearne play and they also said what a fantastic set and performance it was and how amazing the atmosphere was in their crowd.
that said respect to Bel Casino and Constellation who also performed brilliantly.

“Fearne aren’t your usual local band; their followers LOVE them – deeply, loyally, proudly – paving the way for their journey towards the national music scene” to quote Kate .

As stated in my reply to Kate above, my comment about vocal fans is there to convey the mood of the evening to anyone not there, it is not a criticism and I can’t see how it can be read as such (though it obviously is being read as such).

I see it as a neutral statement in that regard, I write about what I see and what happens, it’s obviously not being read in that context – maybe *reporting* having screaming girls at a gig is seen as a bad thing, I don’t!

I try and write about what I see – one of the problems with my being at so many gigs is that people who do know me will try and seek me out to offer an opinion – I try and include some of those counter to my own, as I feel that bands won’t have a chance to develop if they only hear my own praise.

You’re quite right I focus on some more than others – Constellation are totally unknown to me, and I’ve not had a chance to say hi face to face, even, despite being in the same room as them on 3 separate occasions now. I write as I see it there and then, going by the names I can remember at the time, and since I’ve not had the chance to hang out with Constellation I don’t know all their names.

Constellation, as far as I’m concerned, came from nowhere on my radar, and have wowed me every single time with what they do. They were the only band I saw who had fans wearing T-shirts with a big name on the back – this is a good thing (sorry if it comes across as bad) – others probably had merch (I know Fearne have badges available); just not noticeable from 5m back.

I feel it is possible to notice “misses” if the band look like they’ve made a mistake – this didn’t happen that I could see. Therefore I write that I couldn’t notice any misses, which I think is good for what has been announced as a new song. There may have been, just that I couldn’t tell from what the band did or didn’t do.

I’ve been following the competition and have watched the bands progress and personally feel that all the bands in the SF deserve to b there!! However on reading this review I’m ever so confused?!?

As I was there last night and watched all 5 bands although they may not have all been my cup of tea I can appreciate good music, good musicians and above all a good performance! However you seem to focus on certain bands more than others in your reviews! Being in the crowd was an overwhelming experience as the audience were amazing!

Constellation & fearne personally were my favourites but I can see talent in all of the bands each bring something different. Fearne had an awesome crowd with them & really knew how to get them going, their playing was tight and as a whole brilliant performance! Constellation were also amazing when the flower song started the whole crowd were screaming and singing the lyrics back to the band, constantly chanting to the lads and when the set finished the whole place was shouting for more.

However u fail to write this in your review and seem to pick at the fact that they have their usual crowd that u feel will fade by the end of the contest and have gone down the merchandise route??? Also the only band you mention in respect of having less than complimentary things said about their music was constellation???? Surely random people who don’t know who u are by appearence would suddenly know who u were and complain?? Unless you knew them already?!?

After the performances I was speaking to fans of other bands and everyone was extremely supportive of all the acts in the SF and spoke of how they all deserved their place, as a whole the night was fantastic! Also you comment on band2 playing their new song for closing the set and comment on their mistakes they made but as it was a new song how would u know about any misses?? However I was unsure on this song at first but as the crowd reaction showed it was catchy and fresh very much like fearnes set!!

I just feel that this is an unfair and biased review and maybe we weren’t watching the same show!?! However I completely respect what you do and respect your oppinion!!! Keep up the good work ALL the bands can learn from your reviews to improve on aspects of their performance!! 🙂 x
[Edited by Tim to add line spacing]

I went last night for a good night out without knowing any of the bands and I feel I watched a different night to you.

Every band that played last night were awesome and the way you have reveiwed this night was not unbiased at all. The second and third band both clearly had the best crowd reaction and participation but you seem to only focus and comment on the third band and not the second. I also got very lost when Reading this as with some bands you call them by name other times by name and the position in the band and sometime just the position in the band.

This is very confusing for people who know no one in the band and shows you know some bands more than other and presume your readers know them on the same level. Some of the things you critised about the bands were not things they could improve on but just their style of music and way they play in general, I think all the acts looked good and played well.

There is clearly a tough choice for the judges to come and they still have another five bands to watch before picking the final five bands for the final. As I said at the beginning everyones entitled to their own opinion and here’s mine. Good luck to all ten acts.
[Edited by Tim to include line spaces]

Thanks LillyT. I’ve written some thoughts to your common critique with Bettyboop in my response to their post.

With regards to names of members in the bands, guilty as charged. Perhaps I should go back and look at band pages to include the member names, however I try and avoid post-editing since I prefer to include exactly what I see at the gig, rather than reflecting on things once seen in the cold light of day.

Sorry if I come across as a Fearne lover – that’s what I am! – they were one of the first bands I got to know 4/5 years ago through doing the radio show, and to see them progress to where they are now is fantastic. I’ve also seen the other 3 bands develop to where they are now – only second band Constellation have presented themselves to me as a pretty much finished package, so in my heart I probably feel I don’t *need* to write as much about them, so that’s what comes out at the time.

Thanks for the comment, I appreciate the difference of opinion. It was a fantastic night, and I loved every minute of every band’s performance. Perhaps I should include the guest posts of my mate Steve from Dreadlock Photography:
Band 1 – they were good,
Band 2 – they were f’in good
Band 3 – they were rubbish

Now you can’t penalise Fearne for having fans, can you? Their fans may well have been more enthusiastic than the punters you’re used to seeing at local gigs – thats because Fearne aren’t your usual local band; their followers LOVE them – deeply, loyally, proudly – paving the way for their journey towards the national music scene.

Absolutely. The gigs that do have massive fan noise are normally populated by blokes like me, rather than the screaming girls. I’m puzzled as why a comment intended to at worst neutrally or at best positively convey the mood/spirit of the evening to anyone not in attendance has come under such criticism. We have other bands just ready to take to the UK and world stage like Fearne (many of which are alumni of DMA and DUMA), we need to get the UK and the world to listen (half of what this blog’s about).
Thanks for reading, and for being brave enough to comment…;-)